(a) Every vessel licensed to operate shall carry lifeboats and liferafts, as directed by the board. Lifeboats and liferafts shall be kept clear for launching. The decks on which lifeboats and liferafts are carried shall be kept clear of freight or any other obstruction that would interfere with the immediate launching of the lifeboats or liferafts.

(b) Care of lifeboats and liferafts: Lifeboats and liferafts shall be striped, cleaned; thoroughly overhauled, and painted at least once in every 6 months and the board so informed.

(c) Handling of lifeboats and liferafts: All lifeboats shall be stowed in such a way that they can be launched from suitable davits. The davits shall be fitted with blocks and tackle, and other necessary fittings such as fairleads, cleats, and pad eyes, as required for safe launching of the lifeboat.

(d) Equipment for life boats: Every lifeboat required to be carried is to be equipped with the following:

(1) Boat hooks: 2 boat hooks at least 8 feet long;

(2) Bucket: 1 bucket with lanyard attached;

(1) Lifeline: 1 lifeline properly secured the entire length on each side, festooned in bights of not longer than 3 feet with a seine float in each bight;

(4) Life preservers: 2 life preservers in addition to the vessel’s comp1ement of life preservers;

(5) Oars: 4 oars and a steering oar;

(6) Rudder and tiller: 1 rudder and 1 tiller complement with pintle fitting into gudgeons on the stem post of the lifeboat;

(7) Painter: 1 painter of manila rope not less than 2-3/4 inches in circumference and of a length of not less than 3 times the distance between the boat deck and the light sea-going draft secured to the lifeboat, free, and secured to a ring in the liferaft supports onto the check;